VA Weekly Navigator
Your guide to news, updates, and reminders in the Upper VA
(Week of April 25, 2022)
End of Year Procedures for MVA Seniors
The last day for seniors who are on track to graduate is May 27th, 2022.
Seniors who are NOT on track to graduate are expected to continue reporting to classes after May 27th.
Our counselors have been meeting throughout the semester with seniors who are in danger of not graduating, and on a weekly or even semi-weekly basis over the past two months.
For at-risk students, counselors and administrators are collaborating with teachers, families, and student to develop a plan for earning credit.
Counselors will contact and work with teachers regarding work to be done after May 27th. This work may continue through June 15th, the last day of school for all students.
If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, please contact your student's counselor directly -- information about counselor assignments and contact info is available further down in this newsletter.
Counselors are also holding weekly sessions every Wednesday to establish individualized action plans for students to ensure they are on track for graduation in June or by the end of summer. Support sessions will be held each Wednesday during the lunch hour, from 11:35-12:35.
Use this Zoom link to join: https://bit.ly/MVASeniors
Meeting ID: 878 5717 9561
Passcode: mva
Day of Silence Assembly
On April 22nd, MVA students participated in the Day of Silence Assembly that allowed students to “come together to unite with others across the country in advocating for LGBTQ community and affirmation in schools.” Over 100 students joined our Pride Club members to learn about ways to support our LGBTQ+ students. We were excited to have teachers from Whitman High School and Silver Spring International Middle School share their experiences. We were also fortunate to have Marina Braynon-Moore, legislative assistant to Florida Senator Shevrin D. "Shev" Jones, join us to share her perspectives and experience.
Our Virtual Academy students (with the guidance of Mr. Decker and Ms. Brown) planned a wonderful assembly -- kudos to their collaboration and vision!
Staff Appreciation Week: May 2-6
May 2 to May 6 is Staff Appreciation Week! Both the MVA Administration and the MVAPTC are hard at work to plan out the week!
We will have a Spirit Week and multiple ways for students and families to show their appreciation. A message will go out later this week with more details!
You can also help the MVAPTC show appreciation to the MVA staff during Staff Appreciation Week by contributing gift cards or other small gifts to give out to staff. Please use the following sign up genius link to pledge a donation and for mail/drop off and email information. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EA9A82FA0FBC16-mvastaff
Thank you for supporting our incredible staff!
MVA Summer School Courses (July 6-29)
Chautauqua Part 3: The First!
We will host Part 3 of the MVA Chautauqua series on Monday, April 25 from 12:35 - 1:00 p.m. These conversations allow us to question and examine our shared humanity as well as to expand our thinking and grow. This month’s theme is “The First”, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Simarjeet Sandhu as our guest speaker.
Dr. Sandhu is an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) educator with the MVA, and is also serving as our SSL coordinator. Aside from her career in education, she is a thrice-published author of children's books. She has started the Simran and Sehaj series in hopes of diversifying bookshelves with books on Gurbani and social justice issues. Dr. Sandhu is also the director of Hands2Inspire.
We are now able to use YouTube live to livestream the Chautauqua Series through advisory. We will send the link under a separate email on Monday. Staff members who support advisory can screen share the livestream. Because the YouTube chat will be disabled, a Padlet link will be shared for student questions. Students can earn SSL hours for attending the event and completing the MVA SSL reflection form afterwards.
Earth Day/Month
MVA students created virtual posters to help us celebrate Earth Day and promote ways we can all take better care of our shared home. Check out the posters below!
MVA Earth Day 2022 by Andy Chang, grade 11
Earth Day poster by Nkechi Nwankwo, grade 7
It’s Earth Day!, by Emily Lopez, grade 6
Earth Day!, by Amara Nwankwo, grade 8
Our Earth Helped Us Flourish, by Kenny Zhao, grade 8
Happy Earth Day, by Aliia Kadryalieva, grade 7
Happy Earth Day poster by Stephanie Juarez, grade 8 (see below)
Special Education Parent Committee Meeting this Thursday
The MVA PTC Special Education Parent Committee is holding the next parent information session on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Simone Geness, Supervisor of Transition Services and Diane Flood, Middle School Transition Liason, will be sharing information on Transition Services for secondary aged students who receive Special Education services.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/89873596679?pwd=cjNSR3NKb2FPRWlLMkU2TExtaSt3UT09
Meeting ID: 898 7359 6679
Passcode: 231185
One tap mobile:
+13017158592,,89873596679# US (Washington DC)
+16465588656,,89873596679# US (New York)
Montgomery Can Code: Free Coding Camps for Middle School Students!
In partnership with Montgomery College and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, MCPS is offering FREE virtual coding camps for rising middle school students this summer, as part of the Montgomery Can Code initiative. Students in the camps will receive a loaner iPad and learn to code with Swift, Apple’s easy-to-learn programming language and engage in a fun competition. For more information and registration, please visit: https://www.montgomerycancode.com/. If you have additional questions, please contact Mr. Kelly Dunston, coordinator, at Kelly_A_Dunston@mcpsmd.org
Student Literary Corner
We are continuing to feature original children’s stories from Doc Brock's Creative Writing class!
This week’s feature story is "Molecule," by Jonathan Hamlet. Happy reading!
Open Mic Recap
150 MVA students and staff joined us for our April Open Mic! Thank you to Hana Chankorngsin, Matthew Wong, Oluwaseyi Ojofeitimi, Auveen Botkan, Jamilia Castro, Raphael Jerald, Scarlett Williams, Marie-Sophia Van Goch, and Jemimah Lee for sharing your beautiful poems, songs, and musical compositions with us!
Save the date for our next and final Open Mic of the year: Thursday, May 19 from 12:30-1:00 PM. Remember, you now earn two SSL hours for attending and completing a reflection on the event, and you can earn four hours if you perform!
Our May Open Mic will celebrate our first year as the Montgomery Virtual Academy. Share a poem, song, or other work of art that inspires you when you think of your first year with the MVA. Anyone who wishes to perform at our final Open Mic must sign up in advance by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you again on May 19!
Check Out Our New VA SSL Website!
Here you'll find...
- Contact information for our SSL Coordinator and our counseling team
- An introductory video about SLL hours and how to complete them
- The official submission form for reporting hours
- Timely updates on service opportunities within and outside of the Virtual Academy
- and more!
Marking Period 4 Grading, Reporting, and Feedback (GRAF) Updates
- MP4 interim grades for seniors are due May 2.
- The deadline for seniors for work from the first half of the marking period will be Friday, April 29.
For all other students, MP4 interim grades are due May 12. The deadline for work from the first half of the marking period will be Wednesday, May 11.
Please contact teachers directly with any questions about assignments or grades.
VA Video Shared at This Month's Board Meeting
Of special note is the amazing video MCPS TV created to share with the public -- you can watch it here.
Thank you to our students, parents, and teachers who participated in the video and shared why they find the VA to be such a special and important opportunity for our students and families!
Arab American Month
- taking a virtual tour of the Arab American National Musuem
- reading a personal essay by MCPS Staff Development Teacher Amani Elkassabani
- viewing an interview with former MCPS student Salma Tagnaoti about what Arab American heritage means to her
For more information and some other great resources, check out this issue of the MCPS Equity Unit's Newsletter, Equity Matters, and this list of 18 Arab American Heritage Month Ideas & Activities
Support for Seniors
Use this Zoom link to join: https://bit.ly/MVASeniors
- Meeting ID: 878 5717 9561
- Passcode: mva
Spring Testing Updates and Reminders
MAP
All MCPS students in grades 6-9 will take the spring MAP-M and MAP-R exams through their English and Math classes.
MAP-M testing will be administered during the week of May 2.
MAP-R testing will be administered during the week of May 9.
MVA English and Math teachers will provide students with additional details about MAP tests.
MAP make-ups will be held on Wednesday, May 18, which is an early release day.
MCAP
Refer to the presentation that was shared with MVA students and families regarding spring MCAP testing.
ALL middle school and many of our high school students will take MCAP tests this spring.
MCAP tests will be administered in person at their home schools.
Students will receive information about their testing days, times, and locations directly from their home schools.
Please make every effort to take the MCAP exams, especially the high school exams, which are graduation requirements.
MVA Parent Teacher Council Updates
Help MVAPTC show our appreciation to the MVA staff during Staff Appreciation Week from Monday, May 2nd to Friday, May 6th! Please use the following SignUpGenius link to keep track of donations and for mail/drop off and email information: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EA9A82FA0FBC16-mvastaff
The MVA PTC Special Education Parent Committee is holding the next parent information session on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Simone Geness, Supervisor of Transition Services and Diane Flood, Middle School Transition Liason, will be sharing information on Transition Services for secondary aged students who receive Special Education services.
Zoom link:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/89873596679?pwd=cjNSR3NKb2FPRWlLMkU2TExtaSt3UT09
(Passcode: 231185)
Upcoming Parent Teacher Council Meetings: Thursday, May 5th at 6:30 PM
This meeting will include a special presentation by Erin Pike, Head of Children's Services at the Aspen Hill Library (coordinator of their summer reading program and other resources).
Future meetings: 1st Thursday of the Month at 6:30 PM (June 2 - Board Member Elections)
If you are interested in running for a MVAPTC board member position on June 2nd, please contact Jessica at presidentmvaptc@gmail.com and she will put you in touch with the nominating committee.
Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
Please help us purchase external cameras, microphones, and other gear for our wonderful school staff. Thank you for the generous shirt donation!
Montgomery Virtual Academy Shirt Sales and Donations: https://mvaptc.square.site
Please contact Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com with any questions. You can pick up in Kensington or have them mailed at an additional cost.
MVAPTC Links:
Website: mvaptc.org
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=montgomery%20virtual%20academy%20parent%20teacher%20council
Facebook page for unofficial Parent Group called MCPS - Montgomery Virtual Academy Families and Staff (Montgomery County, MD): https://www.facebook.com/groups/530674078014807
MVAPTC Membership Signup (no dues this year): https://forms.gle/ATxuHnUWnvEqVD9Y8
MVAPTC Lower School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/c7kwQ8pBRPJM6VTD9
MVAPTC Middle School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/kpUAfwsDPbSJNXsZ6
MVAPTC High School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/YqfbRyt11E8eAYjp7
Clubs and Activities with the Virtual Academy
SSL Opportunities
As a reminder, students may visit the following quick links to find SSL resources:
SSL opportunities - https://bit.ly/SSLOpportunities and https://bit.ly/VirtualSSL2020
SSL forms, resources, and guidelines - https://bit.ly/SSLHubMCPS
SSL program overview - https://bit.ly/SSLOverview2020
Step-by-step directions for viewing student SSL record on StudentVUE - https://bit.ly/SSLonVUE
April SSL Opportunities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y1Sp5n6bMNCOHUZ0O_o5tI3olFDEciNViYZNiD7_GPs/edit?usp=sharing
We're also excited to announce that students who attended any of our MVA community building events this semester, including our Chautauqua discussions, the Day of Silence assembly, and our Open Mic sessions, are now eligible to earn SSL hours for their service in coming together to build our virtual community and learn about our local history!
Additionally, students who met with Student Member of the Board Hana O-Looney on February 9 are also now eligible to earn SSL hours for learning about the roles and responsibilities of the SMOB as well as voicing their concerns over school-related issues relevant to them.
In order to earn SSL hours for these opportunities, please complete the MVA SSL Reflection Form. Select the appropriate event in the dropdown menu.
You must submit a separate form for each event you participated in.
MVS Technology Survey
There is also an opportunity to indicate interest in a focus group conversation. Thank you for taking the time to complete this helpful survey!
How to Check SSL Hours in ParentVUE
- Navigate to https://md-mcps-psv.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login.aspx.
- Select "I am a parent" or "I am a student."
- Enter your User Name and Password, then click "Login."
- Click "Course History" from the left-hand navigation.
- The Course History page shows the student's graduation progress, test requirements, and SLL hours earned. (Students need 75 hours for graduation.)
- Toggle on "Detail" to see full Service Learning details.
Caring Matters Offers a Free Grief Camp for Children
Camp Erin is an overnight weekend camp for children and teens, ages 6-17, grieving the death of someone close to them. Campers will participate in wide range of activities including: recreation and outdoor activities, sharing memories, expressive arts, trust and bonding activities, campfire and drumming circle. Camp Erin, offered free of charge, is staffed by trained volunteers and professionals. This opportunity is for children and teens who have not attended a previous session of Camp Erin.
Registration is open for the free weekend camp - Camp Erin for grieving students ages 6-17. It will take place May 13-15 2022. see flyers for more details
FLYERS:
English flyer link
español flyer link
Camp Erin can accommodate Spanish-speaking campers!
The deadline for applying is Friday, April 29th at 3:00 PM.
More details and the application form are on the website https://www.caringmatters.org/camp-erin
Russian-Ukranian War Parent Resources
Resources for Elementary Parents
How to talk to children about what’s happening in Ukraine and World War Three anxiety. Although this Metro article is written for a British audience, the themes and information included are universal for dealing with such issues.
Russia-Ukraine war: How to talk to kids about the conflict. This Yahoo News article discusses tips on how to have age appropriate conversations about the Russian-Ukrainian War.
Kids Britannica: This entry gives information about Ukraine, its history, people, culture, government and natural resources that although written for elementary students, is really accessible to secondary students as well.
The Ukraine-Russia crisis explained: a complete visual guide, The Guardian: This article gives an explanation of what is going on with good visual maps, graphs, and charts to convey multiple points of information.
A simple guide to the Ukraine-Russia crisis: 5 things to know: This Al Jazeera article presents some key questions and background to the conflict and what it means for those involved.
How NATO Is Responding to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine. This Time article explains the expansion of NATO since 1949 and how it is responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kids are learning about the Russia-Ukraine conflict on TikTok with a mix of snark and fear. Here's how parents can explain, not alarm.This Yahoo article addresses the fact that many students will get information on social media platforms, such as TikTok. It discusses this phenomena and then gives advice on how to talk to kids at their level, such as high school, middle school, elementary school and preschool.
Ukraine Russia Conflict Explained | What is happening with Ukraine and Russia 2022?: This video provides a description of what has led up to the Russian invasion. YouTube: MP4 Format
- How to Talk to Kids and Teens About the Crisis in Ukraine. This lifehacker guides parents of little kids, tweens, and teenagers on how to talk about the Russian-Ukrainian War.
SSL Opportunity: Hands2Inspire
Our very own Dr. Sandhu owns a non-profit organization called Hands2Inspire. She has created an SSL opportunity that can earn students up 15 SSL hours.
Students will create a Google Slideshow to spread awareness about a scholarship that Hands2Inspire has set up in honor of Dr. Sandhu's grandfather, Sardar Maluk Singh Sandhu. Students will talk about the scholarship and how it can benefit students. These slideshows will then be shared throughout the community and the nation to raise awareness for the scholarship.
This opportunity is open to all students, with special focus on seniors who need credits to meet their graduation requirements. Students are also more than welcome to apply for this scholarship, as it is open to high seniors.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. Simarjeet directly via email: Simarjeet_K_Sandhu@mcpsmd.org.
Important SSL Links: Student Service Learning HUB for MCPS Students and Families
Distinguished Young Women's Program
Distinguished Young Women of Montgomery County is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women.
Cash scholarships are awarded at the local level and millions in college-granted scholarships are available ($1 billion nationally). And local winners will advance to the state program in Montgomery, Alabama where they give away more than $32,200 in cash tuition scholarships.
And it’s FREE to participate!
YOU CAN...
- Make new friends from around your area
- Participate in workshops on interviewing, public speaking and more
- Have fun putting on a showcase of your achievements
- PLUS help pay for your college education!
- You must be a senior in high school to participate.
MVA Virtual Café
The Virtual Café is a Zoom gathering space where students can get together to meet friends, play games, participate in activities, and engage in casual conversations while they eat their lunch. The Café will be open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:40-12:15. Teachers will facilitate shared activities such as chess, anime, mindfulness, community circle conversations, and more.
ZOOM LINK: http://bit/ly/mvavirtualcafe
Meeting ID: 854 7704 2831
Passcode: lunch
Student Service Learning Information Presentation
SSL Informational Slide Presentation
If you or your family have additional questions, please contact Dr. Simarjeet Sandhu, our SSL Coordinator, via Outlook: Simarjeet_K_Sandhu@mcpsmd.org.
Virtual Academy Calendar for April 2022
Virtual Academy Accepting New Applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
The following message was posted on the MVA Website on February 2, 2022. Please feel free to share and pass it along! (Students who are currently enrolled do NOT need to complete a new application for next school year.)
The Montgomery Virtual Academy, a full-time virtual learning program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Students interested in the program are required to apply for admission and must be approved to participate. (Students currently enrolled in the Virtual Academy do not need to reapply). Applications will be considered on a rolling admissions basis. Application reviews will begin March 1 for initial enrollment and staffing purposes.
The Virtual Academy serves students in a comprehensive, full-time online instructional program. The program will continue to expand its infrastructure and services, innovative instructional approaches and flexible options to access coursework, particularly for high school students.
Admission considerations include:
- For elementary school students: Primarily for students with extenuating circumstances related to health or other reasons that can be mitigated through a virtual learning program.
- For middle and high school students: For students to gain access to innovative courses, flexible scheduling and specialty courses that may not be available in all schools, and for students with extenuating circumstances, including health and other reasons, that can be mitigated through a virtual program.
Applications can be submitted through ParentVUE beginning Feb. 2.
For families needing assistance submitting an application, please call 240-740-6060 or email MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org.
For more information, visit these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or the Montgomery Virtual Academy website.
Note for Rising Kindergarteners
Students who will be kindergartners in the 2022–2023 school year must register at their home school prior to applying to the Virtual Academy. To receive a student ID number, contact your local neighborhood elementary school to schedule an appointment. Application reviews for kindergarten students will begin May 1.
Attendance Questions and Absence Notes
- Hikeyya_A_Falden@mcpsmd.org
- 240-740-6060
Advisory ("Homeroom") Reminders
Every student in the VA is scheduled for Advisory (indicated as "Homeroom" on their schedules).
Advisory meets Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays. Students are able to:
- connect with peers from their home school
- receive Virtual Academy updates and information
- participate in fun and interesting advisory lessons
It is important for students to log in each Advisory day for learning and attendance.
Contact your advisory teacher for information and to answer questions.
Activating and Utilizing ParentVUE
Activate Your ParentVue Account
This important tool will provide near real-time access to information on assignments and scores, attendance, class schedules, transcripts, graduation status, and more. You may access ParentVUE online, but for the best mobile experience, we encourage you to download the ParentVUE App from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, as this app will replace the current myMCPS mobile application.
Contact Your Child's Administrator or Counselor for your activation letter
Free English as Second Language Classes for Parents
In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for MCPS parents. The classes will be held virtually and there will be options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any MCPS parent for whom English is not their first language.
Please see this flyer for details:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CWxRzof4pPS95Fi7SjEadPgf3_w39orL/view?usp=sharing
Parents can complete this Interest form to receive a placement test.
Bulk Meal Kits for Virtual Academy Families
Families can now pre-order meals using the same link each week. The link will open on Mondays and will close temporarily over the weekend so that the data can be accessed by our Food Services partners. Please note the form is not managed or maintained by the Virtual Academy.
Virtual Academy Bulk Meal Kits Pre-Order Form
These kits will provide 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Suppers and 7 Snacks. These kits will be distributed every Friday from 11:00am - 1:00pm at most locations (see the form for details).
Magruder HS
Clarksburg HS
Damascus ES
Gaithersburg HS
Paint Branch HS
White Oak MS
Parkland MS
Blair HS
Northwest HS
Richard Montgomery HS
Poolesville ES
Walter Johnson HS
The kits need to be reserved by Friday 12:00 p.m. one week in advance to ensure availability.
Confirmation of order will be sent via email.
Questions regarding meal kits can be sent to the meals drop box: DFNSMealKitOrders@mcpsmd.org
We are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
(Need to type the Pre-Order Form link? Here it is: https://forms.gle/XQHyNJe5kG6fzj6v9)
Technology Support
If you are having technology issues, please submit an e-ticket by emailing your question or issue to communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org or submit a ticket via the Community Tech Support portal. This account is monitored daily and you will receive email notifications throughout the process.
For helpful support guides and screencasts in English and Spanish, please visit https://montgomery.service-now.com/csm.
A support guide for the Community Tech Support portal is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cczbhEXF7x3TBquSMQGUGsxIcqsm_BtG2KBBi_bA0_0/edit
Student Newsletter
Click here to review the updates that we share with students each week in our student newsletter Google Site.
VA Weekly Navigator Archive
SEMESTER TWO
- Week of April 25, 2022
- Week of April 18, 2022
- Week of April 4, 2022
- Week of March 28, 2022
- Week of March 21, 2022
- Week of March 14, 2022
- Week of March 7, 2022
- Week of February 28, 2022
- Week of February 22, 2022
- Week of February 14, 2022
- Week of February 7, 2022
- Week of January 31, 2022
SEMESTER ONE
Helpful SSL Tip
When you submit your SSL forms, it’s really important that you complete all sections properly, so the form does not get returned to you. Check out this video from our SSL committee that demonstrates how to complete the SSL form in its entirety.
Thank you, Ms. Marks, for the helpful video!
https://www.loom.com/share/a9aafe11b7c7475caa166006528bf823